Heloise: Avoid identity theft during a disaster

HINTS FROM HELOISE

HELOISE, King Features Syndicate

Published 5:30 am, Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Dear Heloise:

Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes and man-made disasters are frightening, and they may also cause chaos and put at risk your personal security. Taking a few minutes today to create an action plan might help you avoid identity-theft-related situations.

Be prepared to evacuate:

• Keep copies of birth certificates, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, death certificates, insurance papers and any other vital papers for each family member in a locked box. Place the box in your car only when you are ready to leave. • Keep the locked box in sight at all times, even in a shelter. If necessary, put the papers in a large plastic bag and tape them to your inner clothing.
• Few people want to leave computers behind. If you are time-crunched or limited in space, remove the hard drive and take that with you.
• Develop a plan of action in case family members are separated. You might want to designate a family member or friend in a different state as the contact person that you all will call. Usually phone lines are busy or down in local disaster areas.
The Identity Theft Resource Center is a nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity theft and educate consumers on issues involving identity theft. Visit www.idtheftcenter.org.